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deepakdahiya
May 3rd, 2005, 02:23 AM
hi all friends,

all friends who r going to face interview or have to face interview in comming future please be prepared to these 64 question........please take
seriously b'coz these qustion may be make ur future bright.
so please read this......



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General Guidelines in Answering Interview Questions 3
Q1 Tell me about yourself. 5
Q2 What are your greatest strengths? 6
Q3 What are your greatest weaknesses? 6
Q4 Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you
now feel a little ashamed of. 7
Q5 Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position? 8
Q6 The "Silent Treatment" 9
Q7 Why should I hire you? 9
Q8 Aren't you overqualified for this position? 10
Q9 Where do you see yourself five years from now? 11
Q10 Describe your ideal company, location and job. 12
Q11 Why do you want to work at our company? 12
Q12 What are your career options right now? 12
Q13 Why have you been out of work so long? 13
Q14 Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of
your boss (company, management team, etc.)… 13
Q15 What good books have you read lately? 14
Q16 Tell me about a situation when your work was criticized.
14
Q17 What are your outside interest? 15
Q18 The "Fatal Flaw" question 15
Q19 How do you feel about reporting to a younger person
(minority, woman, etc)? 16
Q20 On confidential matters… 16
Q21 Would you lie for the company? 17
Q22 Looking back, what would you do differently in your life?
17
Q23 Could you have done better in your last job? 18
Q24 Can you work under pressure? 18
Q25 What makes you angry? 18
Q26 Why aren't you earning more money at this stage of your
career? 19
Q27 Who has inspired you in your life and why? 19
Q28 What was the toughest decision you ever had to make? 20
Q29 Tell me about the most boring job you've ever had. 20
Q30 Have you been absent from work more than a few days in any
previous position? 20
Q31 What changes would you make if you came on board? 21
Q32 I'm concerned that you don't have as much experience as we'd
like in… 21
Q33 How do you feel about working nights and weekends? 22
Q34 Are you willing to relocate or travel? 23
Q35 Do you have the stomach to fire people? Have you had
experience firing many people? 23
Q36 Why have you had so many jobs? 24
Q37 What do you see as the proper role/mission of… …a good (job
title you're seeking); …a good manager; …an executive in serving the
community; …a leading company in our industry; etc. 25
Q38 What would you say to your boss if he's crazy about an idea,
but you think it stinks? 25
Q39 How could you have improved your career progress? 26
Q40 What would you do if a fellow executive on your own corporate
level wasn't pulling his/her weight…and this was hurting your
department? 26
Q41 You've been with your firm a long time. Won't it be hard
switching to a new company? 27
Q42 May I contact your present employer for a reference? 27
Q43 Give me an example of your creativity (analytical skill…
managing ability, etc.) 28
Q44 Where could you use some improvement? 28
Q45 What do you worry about? 28
Q46 How many hours a week do you normally work? 28
Q47 What's the most difficult part of being a (job title)? 29
Q48 The "Hypothetical Problem" 29
Q49 What was the toughest challenge you've ever faced? 29
Q50 Have you consider starting your own business? 30
Q51 What are your goals? 31
Q52 What do you for when you hire people? 31
Q53 Sell me this stapler…(this pencil…this clock…or some other
object on interviewer's desk). 31
Q54 "The Salary Question" – How much money do you want? 33
Q55 The Illegal Question 33
Q56 The "Secret" Illegal Question 34
Q57 What was the toughest part of your last job? 35
Q58 How do you define success…and how do you measure up to your
own definition?. 35
Q59 "The Opinion Question" – What do you think about …Abortion…
The President…The Death Penalty…(or any other controversial subject)?
36
Q60 If you won $10 million lottery, would you still work? 36
Q61 Looking back on your last position, have you done your best
work? 37
Q62 Why should I hire you from the outside when I could promote
someone from within? 37
Q63 Tell me something negative you've heard about our company…
38
Q64 On a scale of one to ten, rate me as an interviewer. 38


General Guidelines
in Answering Interview Questions
Everyone is nervous on interviews. If you simply allow yourself to
feel nervous, you'll do much better. Remember also that it's
difficult for the interviewer as well.
In general, be upbeat and positive. Never be negative.
Rehearse your answers and time them. Never talk for more than 2
minutes straight.
Don't try to memorize answers word for word. Use the answers shown
here as a guide only, and don't be afraid to include your own
thoughts and words. To help you remember key concepts, jot down and
review a few key words for each answer. Rehearse your answers
frequently, and they will come to you naturally in interviews.
As you will read in the accompanying report, the single most
important strategy in interviewing, as in all phases of your job
search, is what we call: "The Greatest Executive Job Finding
Secret." And that is...
Find out what people want, than show them how you can help them get
it.
Find out what an employer wants most in his or her ideal candidate,
then show how you meet those qualifications.
In other words, you must match your abilities, with the needs of the
employer. You must sell what the buyer is buying. To do that, before
you know what to emphasize in your answers, you must find out what
the buyer is buying... what he is looking for. And the best way to do
that is to ask a few questions yourself.
You will see how to bring this off skillfully as you read the first
two questions of this report. But regardless of how you accomplish
it, you must remember this strategy above all: before blurting out
your qualifications, you must get some idea of what the employer
wants most. Once you know what he wants, you can then present your
qualifications as the perfect "key" that fits the "lock" of that
position.
· Other important interview strategies:
· Turn weaknesses into strengths (You'll see how to do this in
a few moments.)
· Think before you answer. A pause to collect your thoughts is
a hallmark of a thoughtful person.
As a daily exercise, practice being more optimistic. For example, try
putting a positive spin on events and situations you would normally
regard as negative. This is not meant to turn you into a Pollyanna,
but to sharpen your selling skills. The best salespeople, as well as
the best liked interview candidates, come off as being naturally
optimistic, "can do" people. You will dramatically raise your level
of attractiveness by daily practicing to be more optimistic.
Be honest...never lie.
Keep an interview diary. Right after each interview note what you did
right, what could have gone a little better, and what steps you
should take next with this contact. Then take those steps. Don't be
like the 95% of humanity who say they will follow up on something,
but never do.
About the 64 questions...
You might feel that the answers to the following questions
are "canned", and that they will seldom match up with the exact way
you are asked the questions in actual interviews. The questions and
answers are designed to be as specific and realistic as possible. But
no preparation can anticipate thousands of possible variations on
these questions. What's important is that you thoroughly familiarize
yourself with the main strategies behind each answer. And it will be
invaluable to you if you commit to memory a few key words that let
you instantly call to mind your best answer to the various questions.
If you do this, and follow the principles of successful interviewing
presented here, you're going to do very well.
Good luck...and good job-hunting!

continue in next reply thread----------------->>>>>

deepakdahiya
May 3rd, 2005, 02:27 AM
Question 1 Tell me about yourself.
TRAPS: Beware; about 80% of all interviews begin with
this "innocent" question. Many candidates, unprepared for the
question, skewer themselves by rambling, recapping their life story,
delving into ancient work history or personal matters.
BEST ANSWER: Start with the present and tell why you are well
qualified for the position. Remember that the key to all-successful
interviewing is to match your qualifications to what the interviewer
is looking for. In other words you must sell what the buyer is
buying. This is the single most important strategy in job hunting.
So, before you answer this or any question it's imperative that you
try to uncover your interviewer's greatest need, want, problem or
goal.
To do so, make you take these two steps:
1. Do all the homework you can before the interview to uncover
this person's wants and needs (not the generalized needs of the
industry or company)
2. As early as you can in the interview, ask for a more complete
description of what the position entails. You might say: "I have a
number of accomplishments I'd like to tell you about, but I want to
make the best use of our time together and talk directly to your
needs. To help me do, that, could you tell me more about the most
important priorities of this position? All I know is what I (heard
from the recruiter, read in the classified ad, etc.)"
Then, ALWAYS follow-up with a second and possibly, third question,
to draw out his needs even more. Surprisingly, it's usually this
second or third question that unearths what the interviewer is most
looking for.
You might ask simply, "And in addition to that?..." or, "Is there
anything else you see as essential to success in this position?:
This process will not feel easy or natural at first, because it is
easier simply to answer questions, but only if you uncover the
employer's wants and needs will your answers make the most sense.
Practice asking these key questions before giving your answers, the
process will feel more natural and you will be light years ahead of
the other job candidates you're competing with.
After uncovering what the employer is looking for, describe why the
needs of this job bear striking parallels to tasks you've succeeded
at before. Be sure to illustrate with specific examples of your
responsibilities and especially your achievements, all of which are
geared to present yourself as a perfect match for the needs he has
just described.
Question 2 What are your greatest strengths?
TRAPS: This question seems like a softball lob, but be prepared. You
don't want to come across as egotistical or arrogant. Neither is this
a time to be humble.
BEST ANSWER: You know that your key strategy is to first uncover
your interviewer's greatest wants and needs before you answer
questions. And from Question 1, you know how to do this.
Prior to any interview, you should have a list mentally prepared of
your greatest strengths. You should also have, a specific example or
two, which illustrates each strength, an example chosen from your
most recent and most impressive achievements.
You should, have this list of your greatest strengths and
corresponding examples from your achievements so well committed to
memory that you can recite them cold after being shaken awake at
2:30AM.
Then, once you uncover your interviewer's greatest wants and needs,
you can choose those achievements from your list that best match up.
As a general guideline, the 10 most desirable traits that all
employers love to see in their employees are:
1. A proven track record as an achiever...especially if your
achievements match up with the employer's greatest wants and needs.
2. Intelligence...management "savvy".
3. Honesty...integrity...a decent human being.
4. Good fit with corporate culture...someone to feel comfortable
with...a team player who meshes well with interviewer's team.
5. Likeability...positive attitude...sense of humor.
6. Good communication skills.
7. Dedication...willingness to walk the extra mile to achieve
excellence.
8. Definiteness of purpose...clear goals.
9. Enthusiasm...high level of motivation.
10. Confident...healthy...a leader.
Question 3 What are your greatest weaknesses?
TRAPS: Beware - this is an eliminator question, designed to shorten
the candidate list. Any admission of a weakness or fault will earn
you an "A" for honesty, but an "F" for the interview.
PASSABLE ANSWER: Disguise a strength as a weakness.
Example: "I sometimes push my people too hard. I like to work with a
sense of urgency and everyone is not always on the same wavelength."
Drawback: This strategy is better than admitting a flaw, but it's so
widely used, it is transparent to any experienced interviewer.
BEST ANSWER: (and another reason it's so important to get a thorough
description of your interviewer's needs before you answer questions):
Assure the interviewer that you can think of nothing that would stand
in the way of your performing in this position with excellence. Then,
quickly review you strongest qualifications.
Example: "Nobody's perfect, but based on what you've told me about
this position, I believe I' d make an outstanding match. I know that
when I hire people, I look for two things most of all. Do they have
the qualifications to do the job well, and the motivation to do it
well? Everything in my background shows I have both the
qualifications and a strong desire to achieve excellence in whatever
I take on. So I can say in all honesty that I see nothing that would
cause you even a small concern about my ability or my strong desire
to perform this job with excellence."
Alternate strategy (if you don't yet know enough about the position
to talk about such a perfect fit):
Instead of confessing a weakness, describe what you like most and
like least, making sure that what you like most matches up with the
most important qualification for success in the position, and what
you like least is not essential.
Example: Let's say you're applying for a teaching position. "If
given a choice, I like to spend as much time as possible in front of
my prospects selling, as opposed to shuffling paperwork back at the
office. Of course, I long ago learned the importance of filing
paperwork properly, and I do it conscientiously. But what I really
love to do is sell (if your interviewer were a sales manager, this
should be music to his ears.)
Question 4 Tell me about something you did – or failed to do –
that you now feel a little ashamed of.
TRAPS: There are some questions your interviewer has no business
asking, and this is one. But while you may feel like
answering, "none of your business," naturally you can't. Some
interviewers ask this question on the chance you admit to something,
but if not, at least they'll see how you think on your feet.
Some unprepared candidates, flustered by this question, unburden
themselves of guilt from their personal life or career, perhaps
expressing regrets regarding a parent, spouse, child, etc. All such
answers can be disastrous.
BEST ANSWER: As with faults and weaknesses, never confess a regret.
But don't seem as if you're stonewalling either.
Best strategy: Say you harbor no regrets, then add a principle or
habit you practice regularly for healthy human relations.
Example: Pause for reflection, as if the question never occurred to
you. Then say, "You know, I really can't think of anything." (Pause
again, then add): "I would add that as a general management
principle, I've found that the best way to avoid regrets is to avoid
causing them in the first place. I practice one habit that helps me
a great deal in this regard. At the end of each day, I mentally
review the day's events and conversations to take a second look at
the people and developments I'm involved with and do a doublecheck of
what they're likely to be feeling. Sometimes I'll see things that do
need more follow-up, whether a pat on the back, or maybe a five
minute chat in someone's office to make sure we're clear on things…
whatever."
"I also like to make each person feel like a member of an elite team,
like the Boston Celtics or LA Lakers in their prime. I've found that
if you let each team member know you expect excellence in their
performance…if you work hard to set an example yourself…and if you
let people know you appreciate and respect their feelings, you wind
up with a highly motivated group, a team that's having fun at work
because they're striving for excellence rather than brooding over
slights or regrets."

deepakdahiya
May 3rd, 2005, 02:28 AM
Question 5 Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position?
TRAPS: Never badmouth your previous industry, company, board, boss,
staff, employees or customers. This rule is inviolable: never be
negative. Any mud you hurl will only soil your suit.
Especially avoid words like "personality clash", "didn't get along",
or others which cast a shadow on your competence, integrity, or
temperament.
BEST ANSWER:
(If you have a job presently)
If you're not yet 100% committed to leaving your present post, don't
be afraid to say so. Since you have a job, you are in a stronger
position than someone who does not. But don't be coy either. State
honestly what you'd be hoping to find in a new spot. Of course, as
stated often before, you answer will all the stronger if you have
already uncovered what this position is all about and you match your
desires to it.
(If you do not presently have a job.)
Never lie about having been fired. It's unethical – and too easily
checked. But do try to deflect the reason from you personally. If
your firing was the result of a takeover, merger, division wide
layoff, etc., so much the better.
But you should also do something totally unnatural that will
demonstrate consummate professionalism. Even if it hurts , describe
your own firing – candidly, succinctly and without a trace of
bitterness – from the company's point-of-view, indicating that you
could understand why it happened and you might have made the same
decision yourself.
Your stature will rise immensely and, most important of all, you will
show you are healed from the wounds inflicted by the firing. You
will enhance your image as first-class management material and stand
head and shoulders above the legions of firing victims who, at the
slightest provocation, zip open their shirts to expose their battle
scars and decry the unfairness of it all.
For all prior positions:
Make sure you've prepared a brief reason for leaving. Best reasons:
more money, opportunity, responsibility or growth.

Question 6 The "Silent Treatment"
TRAPS: Beware – if you are unprepared for this question, you will
probably not handle it right and possibly blow the interview. Thank
goodness most interviewers don't employ it. It's normally used by
those determined to see how you respond under stress. Here's how it
works:
You answer an interviewer's question and then, instead of asking
another, he just stares at you in a deafening silence.
You wait, growing a bit uneasy, and there he sits, silent as Mt.
Rushmore, as if he doesn't believe what you've just said, or perhaps
making you feel that you've unwittingly violated some cardinal rule
of interview etiquette.
When you get this silent treatment after answering a particularly
difficult question , such as "tell me about your weaknesses", its
intimidating effect can be most disquieting, even to polished job
hunters.
Most unprepared candidates rush in to fill the void of silence,
viewing prolonged, uncomfortable silences as an invitation to clear
up the previous answer which has obviously caused some problem. And
that's what they do – ramble on, sputtering more and more
information, sometimes irrelevant and often damaging, because they
are suddenly playing the role of someone who's goofed and is now
trying to recoup. But since the candidate doesn't know where or how
he goofed, he just keeps talking, showing how flustered and confused
he is by the interviewer's unmovable silence.
BEST ANSWER: Like a primitive tribal mask, the Silent Treatment
loses all it power to frighten you once you refuse to be
intimidated. If your interviewer pulls it, keep quiet yourself for a
while and then ask, with sincere politeness and not a trace of
sarcasm, "Is there anything else I can fill in on that point?"
That's all there is to it.
Whatever you do, don't let the Silent Treatment intimidate you into
talking a blue streak, because you could easily talk yourself out of
the position.
Question 7 Why should I hire you?
TRAPS: Believe it or not, this is a killer question because so many
candidates are unprepared for it. If you stammer or adlib you've
blown it.
BEST ANSWER: By now you can see how critical it is to apply the
overall strategy of uncovering the employer's needs before you answer
questions. If you know the employer's greatest needs and desires,
this question will give you a big leg up over other candidates
because you will give him better reasons for hiring you than anyone
else is likely to…reasons tied directly to his needs.
Whether your interviewer asks you this question explicitly or not,
this is the most important question of your interview because he must
answer this question favorably in is own mind before you will be
hired. So help him out! Walk through each of the position's
requirements as you understand them, and follow each with a reason
why you meet that requirement so well.
Example: "As I understand your needs, you are first and foremost
looking for someone who can manage the sales and marketing of your
book publishing division. As you've said you need someone with a
strong background in trade book sales. This is where I've spent
almost all of my career, so I've chalked up 18 years of experience
exactly in this area. I believe that I know the right contacts,
methods, principles, and successful management techniques as well as
any person can in our industry."
"You also need someone who can expand your book distribution
channels. In my prior post, my innovative promotional ideas doubled,
then tripled, the number of outlets selling our books. I'm confident
I can do the same for you."
"You need someone to give a new shot in the arm to your mail order
sales, someone who knows how to sell in space and direct mail media.
Here, too, I believe I have exactly the experience you need. In the
last five years, I've increased our mail order book sales from
$600,000 to $2,800,000, and now we're the country's second leading
marketer of scientific and medical books by mail." Etc., etc., etc.,
Every one of these selling "couplets" (his need matched by your
qualifications) is a touchdown that runs up your score. IT is your
best opportunity to outsell your competition.

deepakdahiya
May 3rd, 2005, 02:29 AM
Question 8 Aren't you overqualified for this position?
TRAPS: The employer may be concerned that you'll grow dissatisfied
and leave.
BEST ANSWER: As with any objection, don't view this as a sign of
imminent defeat. It's an invitation to teach the interviewer a new
way to think about this situation, seeing advantages instead of
drawbacks.
Example: "I recognize the job market for what it is – a
marketplace. Like any marketplace, it's subject to the laws of
supply and demand. So `overqualified' can be a relative term,
depending on how tight the job market is. And right now, it's very
tight. I understand and accept that."
"I also believe that there could be very positive benefits for both
of us in this match."
"Because of my unusually strong experience in ________________ , I
could start to contribute right away, perhaps much faster than
someone who'd have to be brought along more slowly."
"There's also the value of all the training and years of experience
that other companies have invested tens of thousands of dollars to
give me. You'd be getting all the value of that without having to
pay an extra dime for it. With someone who has yet to acquire that
experience, he'd have to gain it on your nickel."
"I could also help you in many things they don't teach at the Harvard
Business School. For example…(how to hire, train, motivate, etc.)
When it comes to knowing how to work well with people and getting the
most out of them, there's just no substitute for what you learn over
many years of front-line experience. You company would gain all
this, too."
"From my side, there are strong benefits, as well. Right now, I am
unemployed. I want to work, very much, and the position you have
here is exactly what I love to do and am best at. I'll be happy
doing this work and that's what matters most to me, a lot more that
money or title."
"Most important, I'm looking to make a long term commitment in my
career now. I've had enough of job-hunting and want a permanent spot
at this point in my career. I also know that if I perform this job
with excellence, other opportunities cannot help but open up for me
right here. In time, I'll find many other ways to help this company
and in so doing, help myself. I really am looking to make a long-
term commitment."
NOTE: The main concern behind the "overqualified" question is that
you will leave your new employer as soon as something better comes
your way. Anything you can say to demonstrate the sincerity of your
commitment to the employer and reassure him that you're looking to
stay for the long-term will help you overcome this objection.
Question 9 Where do you see yourself five years from now?
TRAPS: One reason interviewers ask this question is to see if you're
settling for this position, using it merely as a stopover until
something better comes along. Or they could be trying to gauge your
level of ambition.
If you're too specific, i.e., naming the promotions you someday hope
to win, you'll sound presumptuous. If you're too vague, you'll seem
rudderless.
BEST ANSWER: Reassure your interviewer that you're looking to make
a long-term commitment…that this position entails exactly what you're
looking to do and what you do extremely well. As for your future,
you believe that if you perform each job at hand with excellence,
future opportunities will take care of themselves.
Example: "I am definitely interested in making a long-term
commitment to my next position. Judging by what you've told me about
this position, it's exactly what I'm looking for and what I am very
well qualified to do. In terms of my future career path, I'm
confident that if I do my work with excellence, opportunities will
inevitable open up for me. It's always been that way in my career,
and I'm confident I'll have similar opportunities here."
Question 10 Describe your ideal company, location and job.
TRAPS: This is often asked by an experienced interviewer who thinks
you may be overqualified, but knows better than to show his hand by
posing his objection directly. So he'll use this question instead,
which often gets a candidate to reveal that, indeed, he or she is
looking for something other than the position at hand.
BEST ANSWER: The only right answer is to describe what this company
is offering, being sure to make your answer believable with specific
reasons, stated with sincerity, why each quality represented by this
opportunity is attractive to you.
Remember that if you're coming from a company that's the leader in
its field or from a glamorous or much admired company, industry, city
or position, your interviewer and his company may well have an "Avis"
complex. That is, they may feel a bit defensive about being "second
best" to the place you're coming from, worried that you may consider
them bush league.
This anxiety could well be there even though you've done nothing to
inspire it. You must go out of your way to assuage such anxiety, even
if it's not expressed, by putting their virtues high on the list of
exactly what you're looking for, providing credible reason for
wanting these qualities.
If you do not express genuine enthusiasm for the firm, its culture,
location, industry, etc., you may fail to answer this "Avis" complex
objection and, as a result, leave the interviewer suspecting that a
hot shot like you, coming from a Fortune 500 company in New York,
just wouldn't be happy at an unknown manufacturer based in Topeka,
Kansas.

Question 11 Why do you want to work at our company?
TRAPS: This question tests whether you've done any homework about
the firm. If you haven't, you lose. If you have, you win big.
BEST ANSWER: This question is your opportunity to hit the ball out
of the park, thanks to the in-depth research you should do before any
interview.
Best sources for researching your target company: annual reports,
the corporate newsletter, contacts you know at the company or its
suppliers, advertisements, articles about the company in the trade
press.
Question 12 What are your career options right now?
TRAPS: The interviewer is trying to find out, "How desperate are
you?"
BEST ANSWER: Prepare for this question by thinking of how you can
position yourself as a desired commodity. If you are still working,
describe the possibilities at your present firm and why, though
you're greatly appreciated there, you're looking for something more
(challenge, money, responsibility, etc.). Also mention that you're
seriously exploring opportunities with one or two other firms.
If you're not working, you can talk about other employment
possibilities you're actually exploring. But do this with a light
touch, speaking only in general terms. You don't want to seem
manipulative or coy.

deepakdahiya
May 3rd, 2005, 02:30 AM
Question 13 Why have you been out of work so long?
TRAPS: A tough question if you've been on the beach a long time.
You don't want to seem like damaged goods.
BEST ANSWER: You want to emphasize factors which have prolonged your
job search by your own choice.
Example: "After my job was terminated, I made a conscious decision
not to jump on the first opportunities to come along. In my life,
I've found out that you can always turn a negative into a positive IF
you try hard enough. This is what I determined to do. I decided to
take whatever time I needed to think through what I do best, what I
most want to do, where I'd like to do it…and then identify those
companies that could offer such an opportunity."
"Also, in all honesty, you have to factor in the recession
(consolidation, stabilization, etc.) in the (banking, financial
services, manufacturing, advertising, etc.) industry."
"So between my being selective and the companies in our industry
downsizing, the process has taken time. But in the end, I'm
convinced that when I do find the right match, all that careful
evaluation from both sides of the desk will have been well worthwhile
for both the company that hires me and myself.
Question 14 Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak
points of your boss (company, management team, etc.)…
TRAPS: Skillfull interviewers sometimes make it almost irresistible
to open up and air a little dirty laundry from your previous
position. DON'T
BEST ANSWER: Remember the rule: Never be negative. Stress only the
good points, no matter how charmingly you're invited to be critical.
Your interviewer doesn't care a whit about your previous boss. He
wants to find out how loyal and positive you are, and whether you'll
criticize him behind his back if pressed to do so by someone in this
own company. This question is your opportunity to demonstrate your
loyalty to those you work with.
Question 15 What good books have you read lately?
TRAPS: As in all matters of your interview, never fake familiarity
you don't have. Yet you don't want to seem like a dullard who hasn't
read a book since Tom Sawyer.
BEST ANSWER: Unless you're up for a position in academia or as book
critic for The New York Times, you're not expected to be a literary
lion. But it wouldn't hurt to have read a handful of the most recent
and influential books in your profession and on management.
Consider it part of the work of your job search to read up on a few
of these leading books. But make sure they are quality books that
reflect favorably upon you, nothing that could even remotely be
considered superficial. Finally, add a recently published
bestselling work of fiction by a world-class author and you'll pass
this question with flying colors.

Question 16 Tell me about a situation when your work was
criticized.
TRAPS: This is a tough question because it's a more clever and
subtle way to get you to admit to a weakness. You can't dodge it by
pretending you've never been criticized. Everybody has been. Yet it
can be quite damaging to start admitting potential faults and
failures that you'd just as soon leave buried.
This question is also intended to probe how well you accept criticism
and direction.
BEST ANSWERS: Begin by emphasizing the extremely positive feedback
you've gotten throughout your career and (if it's true) that your
performance reviews have been uniformly excellent.
Of course, no one is perfect and you always welcome suggestions on
how to improve your performance. Then, give an example of a not-too-
damaging learning experience from early in your career and relate the
ways this lesson has since helped you. This demonstrates that you
learned from the experience and the lesson is now one of the
strongest breastplates in your suit of armor.
If you are pressed for a criticism from a recent position, choose
something fairly trivial that in no way is essential to your
successful performance. Add that you've learned from this, too, and
over the past several years/months, it's no longer an area of concern
because you now make it a regular practice to…etc.
Another way to answer this question would be to describe your
intention to broaden your master of an area of growing importance in
your field. For example, this might be a computer program you've
been meaning to sit down and learn… a new management technique you've
read about…or perhaps attending a seminar on some cutting-edge branch
of your profession.
Again, the key is to focus on something not essential to your
brilliant performance but which adds yet another dimension to your
already impressive knowledge base.
Question 17 What are your outside interests?
TRAPS: You want to be a well-rounded, not a drone. But your
potential employer would be even more turned off if he suspects that
your heavy extracurricular load will interfere with your commitment
to your work duties.
BEST ANSWERS: Try to gauge how this company's culture would look
upon your favorite outside activities and be guided accordingly.
You can also use this question to shatter any stereotypes that could
limit your chances. If you're over 50, for example, describe your
activities that demonstrate physical stamina. If you're young,
mention an activity that connotes wisdom and institutional trust,
such as serving on the board of a popular charity.
But above all, remember that your employer is hiring your for what
you can do for him, not your family, yourself or outside
organizations, no matter how admirable those activities may be.
Question 18 The "Fatal Flaw" question
TRAPS: If an interviewer has read your resume carefully, he may try
to zero in on a "fatal flaw" of your candidacy, perhaps that you
don't have a college degree…you've been out of the job market for
some time…you never earned your CPA, etc.
A fatal flaw question can be deadly, but usually only if you respond
by being overly defensive.
BEST ANSWERS: As every master salesperson knows, you will encounter
objections (whether stated or merely thought) in every sale. They're
part and parcel of the buyer's anxiety. The key is not to exacerbate
the buyer's anxiety but diminish it. Here's how…
Whenever you come up against a fatal flaw question:
1. Be completely honest, open and straightforward about
admitting the shortcoming. (Showing you have nothing to hide
diminishes the buyer's anxiety.)
2. Do not apologize or try to explain it away. You know that
this supposed flaw is nothing to be concerned about, and this is the
attitude you want your interviewer to adopt as well.
3. Add that as desirable as such a qualification might be, its
lack has made you work all the harder throughout your career and has
not prevented you from compiling an outstanding tack record of
achievements. You might even give examples of how, through a
relentless commitment to excellence, you have consistently
outperformed those who do have this qualification.
Of course, the ultimate way to handle "fatal flaw" questions is to
prevent them from arising in the first place. You will do that by
following the master strategy described in Question 1, i.e.,
uncovering the employers needs and them matching your qualifications
to those needs.
Once you've gotten the employer to start talking about his most
urgently-felt wants and goals for the position, and then help him see
in step-by-step fashion how perfectly your background and
achievements match up with those needs, you're going to have one very
enthusiastic interviewer on your hands, one who is no longer looking
for "fatal flaws".

deepakdahiya
May 3rd, 2005, 02:41 AM
Question 19 How do you feel about reporting to a younger person
(minority, woman, etc)?
TRAPS: It's a shame that some interviewers feel the need to ask this
question, but many understand the reality that prejudices still exist
among some job candidates, and it's better to try to flush them out
beforehand.
The trap here is that in today's politically sensitized environment,
even a well-intentioned answer can result in planting your foot
neatly in your mouth. Avoid anything which smacks of a patronizing
or an insensitive attitude, such as "I think they make terrific
bosses" or "Hey, some of my best friends are…"
Of course, since almost anyone with an IQ above room temperature will
at least try to steadfastly affirm the right answer here, your
interviewer will be judging your sincerity most of all. "Do you
really feel that way?" is what he or she will be wondering.
So you must make your answer believable and not just automatic. If
the firm is wise enough to have promoted peopled on the basis of
ability alone, they're likely quite proud of it, and prefer to hire
others who will wholeheartedly share their strong sense of fair play.
BEST ANSWER: You greatly admire a company that hires and promotes on
merit alone and you couldn't agree more with that philosophy. The
age (gender, race, etc.) of the person you report to would certainly
make no difference to you.
Whoever has that position has obviously earned it and knows their job
well. Both the person and the position are fully deserving of
respect. You believe that all people in a company, from the
receptionist to the Chairman, work best when their abilities, efforts
and feelings are respected and rewarded fairly, and that includes
you. That's the best type of work environment you can hope to find.
Question 20 On confidential matters…
TRAPS: When an interviewer presses you to reveal confidential
information about a present or former employer, you may feel it's a
no-win situation. If you cooperate, you could be judged
untrustworthy. If you don't, you may irritate the interviewer and
seem obstinate, uncooperative or overly suspicious.
BEST ANSWER: Your interviewer may press you for this information for
two reasons.
First, many companies use interviews to research the competition.
It's a perfect set-up. Here in their own lair, is an insider from
the enemy camp who can reveal prized information on the competition's
plans, research, financial condition, etc.
Second, the company may be testing your integrity to see if you can
be cajoled or bullied into revealing confidential data.
What to do? The answer here is easy. Never reveal anything truly
confidential about a present or former employer. By all means,
explain your reticence diplomatically. For example, "I certainly
want to be as open as I can about that. But I also wish to respect
the rights of those who have trusted me with their most sensitive
information, just as you would hope to be able to trust any of your
key people when talking with a competitor…"
And certainly you can allude to your finest achievements in specific
ways that don't reveal the combination to the company safe.
But be guided by the golden rule. If you were the owner of your
present company, would you feel it ethically wrong for the
information to be given to your competitors? If so, steadfastly
refuse to reveal it.
Remember that this question pits your desire to be cooperative
against your integrity. Faced with any such choice, always choose
integrity. It is a far more valuable commodity than whatever
information the company may pry from you. Moreover, once you
surrender the information, your stock goes down. They will surely
lose respect for you.
One President we know always presses candidates unmercifully for
confidential information. If he doesn't get it, he grows visibly
annoyed, relentlessly inquisitive, It's all an act. He couldn't
care less about the information. This is his way of testing the
candidate's moral fiber. Only those who hold fast are hired.

Question 21 Would you lie for the company?
TRAPS: This another question that pits two values against one
another, in this case loyalty against integrity.
BEST ANSWER: Try to avoid choosing between two values, giving a
positive statement which covers all bases instead.
Example: "I would never do anything to hurt the company.."
If aggressively pressed to choose between two competing values,
always choose personal integrity. It is the most prized of all
values.
Question 22 Looking back, what would you do differently in your
life?
TRAPS: This question is usually asked to uncover any life-
influencing mistakes, regrets, disappointments or problems that may
continue to affect your personality and performance.
You do not want to give the interviewer anything negative to remember
you by, such as some great personal or career disappointment, even
long ago, that you wish could have been avoided.
Nor do you wish to give any answer which may hint that your whole
heart and soul will not be in your work.
BEST ANSWER: Indicate that you are a happy, fulfilled, optimistic
person and that, in general, you wouldn't change a thing.
Example: "It's been a good life, rich in learning and experience,
and the best it yet to come. Every experience in life is a lesson it
its own way. I wouldn't change a thing."
Question 23 Could you have done better in your last job?
TRAPS: This is no time for true confessions of major or even minor
problems.
BEST ANSWER: Again never be negative.
Example: "I suppose with the benefit of hindsight you can always
find things to do better, of course, but off the top of my head, I
can't think of anything of major consequence."
(If more explanation seems necessary)
Describer a situation that didn't suffer because of you but from
external conditions beyond your control.
For example, describe the disappointment you felt with a test
campaign, new product launch, merger, etc., which looked promising at
first, but led to underwhelming results. "I wish we could have known
at the start what we later found out (about the economy turning, the
marketplace changing, etc.), but since we couldn't, we just had to go
for it. And we did learn from it…"
Question 24 Can you work under pressure?
TRAPS: An easy question, but you want to make your answer believable.
BEST ANSWER: Absolutely…(then prove it with a vivid example or two
of a goal or project accomplished under severe pressure.)
Question 25 What makes you angry?
TRAPS: You don't want to come across either as a hothead or a wimp.
BEST ANSWER: Give an answer that's suited to both your personality
and the management style of the firm. Here, the homework you've done
about the company and its style can help in your choice of words.
Examples: If you are a reserved person and/or the corporate culture
is coolly professional:
"I'm an even-tempered and positive person by nature, and I believe
this helps me a great deal in keeping my department running smoothly,
harmoniously and with a genuine esprit de corps. I believe in
communicating clearly what's expected, getting people's commitment to
those goals, and then following up continuously to check progress."
"If anyone or anything is going off track, I want to know about it
early. If, after that kind of open communication and follow up,
someone isn't getting the job done, I'll want to know why. If
there's no good reason, then I'll get impatient and angry…and take
appropriate steps from there. But if you hire good people, motivate
them to strive for excellence and then follow up constantly, it
almost never gets to that state."
If you are feisty by nature and/or the position calls for a tough
straw boss.
"You know what makes me angry? People who (the fill in the blanks
with the most objectionable traits for this type of position)…people
who don't pull their own weight, who are negative, people who lie…
etc."

deepakdahiya
May 3rd, 2005, 02:43 AM
Question 26 Why aren't you earning more money at this stage of
your career?
TRAPS: You don't want to give the impression that money is not
important to you, yet you want to explain why your salary may be a
little below industry standards.
BEST ANSWER: You like to make money, but other factors are even more
important.
Example: "Making money is very important to me, and one reason I'm
here is because I'm looking to make more. Throughout my career,
what's been even more important to me is doing work I really like to
do at the kind of company I like and respect.
(Then be prepared to be specific about what your ideal position and
company would be like, matching them as closely as possible to the
opportunity at hand.
Question 27 Who has inspired you in your life and why?
TRAPS: The two traps here are unpreparedness and irrelevance. If
you grope for an answer, it seems you've never been inspired. If you
ramble about your high school basketball coach, you've wasted an
opportunity to present qualities of great value to the company.
BEST ANSWER: Have a few heroes in mind, from your mental "Board of
Directors" – Leaders in your industry, from history or anyone else
who has been your mentor.
Be prepared to give examples of how their words, actions or teachings
have helped inspire your achievements. As always, prepare an answer
which highlights qualities that would be highly valuable in the
position you are seeking.
Question 28 What was the toughest decision you ever had to make?
TRAPS: Giving an unprepared or irrelevant answer.
BEST ANSWER: Be prepared with a good example, explaining why the
decision was difficult…the process you followed in reaching it…the
courageous or effective way you carried it out…and the beneficial
results.
Question 29 Tell me about the most boring job you've ever had.
TRAPS: You give a very memorable description of a very boring job.
Result? You become associated with this boring job in the
interviewer's mind.
BEST ANSWER: You have never allowed yourself to grow bored with a
job and you can't understand it when others let themselves fall into
that rut.
Example: "Perhaps I've been fortunate, but that I've never found
myself bored with any job I have ever held. I've always enjoyed hard
work. As with actors who feel there are no small parts, I also
believe that in every company or department there are exciting
challenges and intriguing problems crying out for energetic and
enthusiastic solutions. If you're bored, it's probably because
you're not challenging yourself to tackle those problems right under
your nose."
Question 30 Have you been absent from work more than a few days
in any previous position?
TRAPS: If you've had a problem, you can't lie. You could easily be
found out. Yet admitting an attendance problem could raise many
flags.
BEST ANSWER: If you have had no problem, emphasize your excellent
and consistent attendance record throughout your career.
Also describe how important you believe such consistent attendance is
for a key executive…why it's up to you to set an example of
dedication…and why there's just no substitute for being there with
your people to keep the operation running smoothly, answer questions
and handle problems and crises as they arise.
If you do have a past attendance problem, you want to minimize it,
making it clear that it was an exceptional circumstance and that it's
cause has been corrected.
To do this, give the same answer as above but preface it with
something like, "Other that being out last year (or whenever) because
of (your reason, which is now in the past), I have never had a
problem and have enjoyed an excellent attendance record throughout my
career. Furthermore, I believe, consistent attendance is important
because…" (Pick up the rest of the answer as outlined above.).
Question 31 What changes would you make if you came on board?
TRAPS: Watch out! This question can derail your candidacy faster
than a bomb on the tracks – and just as you are about to be hired.
Reason: No matter how bright you are, you cannot know the right
actions to take in a position before you settle in and get to know
the operation's strengths, weaknesses key people, financial
condition, methods of operation, etc. If you lunge at this
temptingly baited question, you will probably be seen as someone who
shoots from the hip.
Moreover, no matter how comfortable you may feel with your
interviewer, you are still an outsider. No one, including your
interviewer, likes to think that a know-it-all outsider is going to
come in, turn the place upside down and with sweeping, grand
gestures, promptly demonstrate what jerks everybody's been for years.
BEST ANSWER: You, of course, will want to take a good hard look at
everything the company is doing before making any recommendations.
Example: "Well, I wouldn't be a very good doctor if I gave my
diagnosis before the examination. Should you hire me, as I hope you
will, I'd want to take a good hard look at everything you're doing
and understand why it's being done that way. I'd like to have in-
depth meetings with you and the other key people to get a deeper
grasp of what you feel you're doing right and what could be improved.
"From what you've told me so far, the areas of greatest concern to
you are…" (name them. Then do two things. First, ask if these are
in fact his major concerns. If so then reaffirm how your experience
in meeting similar needs elsewhere might prove very helpful).
Question 32 I'm concerned that you don't have as much experience
as we'd like in…
TRAPS: This could be a make-or-break question. The interviewer
mostly likes what he sees, but has doubts over one key area. If you
can assure him on this point, the job may be yours.
BEST ANSWER: This question is related to "The Fatal Flaw" (Question
18), but here the concern is not that you are totally missing some
qualifications, such as CPA certification, but rather that your
experience is light in one area.
Before going into any interview, try to identify the weakest aspects
of your candidacy from this company's point of view. Then prepare
the best answer you possible can to shore up your defenses.
To get past this question with flying colors, you are going to rely
on your master strategy of uncovering the employer's greatest wants
and needs and then matching them with your strengths. Since you
already know how to do this from Question 1, you are in a much
stronger position.
More specifically, when the interviewer poses as objection like this,
you should…
1. Agree on the importance of this qualification.
2. Explain that your strength may be indeed be greater than your
resume indicates because…
3. When this strength is added to your other strengths, it's
really your combination of qualifications that's most important.
Then review the areas of your greatest strengths that match up most
favorably with the company's most urgently-felt wants and needs.
This is powerful way to handle this question for two reasons. First,
you're giving your interviewer more ammunition in the area of his
concern. But more importantly, you're shifting his focus away from
this one, isolated area and putting it on the unique combination of
strengths you offer, strengths which tie in perfectly with his
greatest wants.

deepakdahiya
May 3rd, 2005, 02:44 AM
Question 33 How do you feel about working nights and weekends?
TRAPS: Blurt out "no way, Jose" and you can kiss the job offer
goodbye. But what if you have a family and want to work a reasonably
normal schedule? Is there a way to get both the job and the schedule
you want?
BEST ANSWER: First, if you're a confirmed workaholic, this question
is a softball lob. Whack it out of the park on the first swing by
saying this kind of schedule is just your style. Add that your
family understands it. Indeed, they're happy for you, as they know
you get your greatest satisfaction from your work.
If however, you prefer a more balanced lifestyle, answer this
question with another: "What's the norm for your best people here?"
If the hours still sound unrealistic for you, ask, "Do you have any
top people who perform exceptionally for you, but who also have
families and like to get home in time to see them at night?" Chances
are this company does, and this associates you with this other "top-
performers-who-leave-not-later-than-six" group.
Depending on the answer, be honest about how you would fit into the
picture. If all those extra hours make you uncomfortable, say so,
but phrase your response positively.
Example: "I love my work and do it exceptionally well. I think the
results speak for themselves, especially in …(mention your two or
three qualifications of greater interest to the employer. Remember,
this is what he wants most, not a workaholic with weak credentials).
Not only would I bring these qualities, but I've built my whole
career on working not just hard, but smart. I think you'll find me
one of the most productive people here.
I do have a family who likes to see me after work and on weekends.
They add balance and richness to my life, which in turn helps me be
happy and productive at work. If I could handle some of the extra
work at home in the evenings or on weekends, that would be ideal.
You'd be getting a person of exceptional productivity who meets your
needs with strong credentials. And I'd be able to handle some of the
heavy workload at home where I can be under the same roof as my
family. Everybody would win."
Question 34 Are you willing to relocate or travel?
TRAPS: Answer with a flat "no" and you may slam the door shut on
this opportunity. But what if you'd really prefer not to relocate or
travel, yet wouldn't want to lose the job offer over it?
BEST ANSWER: First find out where you may have to relocate and how
much travel may be involved. Then respond to the question.
If there's no problem, say so enthusiastically.
If you do have a reservation, there are two schools of thought on how
to handle it.
One advises you to keep your options open and your reservations to
yourself in the early going, by saying, "no problem". You strategy
here is to get the best offer you can, then make a judgment whether
it's worth it to you to relocate or travel.
Also, by the time the offer comes through, you may have other offers
and can make a more informed decision. Why kill of this opportunity
before it has chance to blossom into something really special? And
if you're a little more desperate three months from now, you might
wish you hadn't slammed the door on relocating or traveling.
The second way to handle this question is to voice a reservation, but
assert that you'd be open to relocating (or traveling) for the right
opportunity.
The answering strategy you choose depends on how eager you are for
the job. If you want to take no chances, choose the first approach.
If you want to play a little harder-to-get in hopes of generating a
more enticing offer, choose the second.
Question 35 Do you have the stomach to fire people? Have you had
experience firing many people?
TRAPS: This "innocent" question could be a trap door which sends you
down a chute and lands you in a heap of dust outside the front door.
Why? Because its real intent is not just to see if you've got the
stomach to fire, but also to uncover poor judgment in hiring which
has caused you to fire so many. Also, if you fire so often, you
could be a tyrant.
So don't rise to the bait by boasting how many you've fired, unless
you've prepared to explain why it was beyond your control, and not
the result of your poor hiring procedures or foul temperament.
BEST ANSWER: Describe the rational and sensible management process
you follow in both hiring and firing.
Example: "My whole management approach is to hire the best people I
can find, train them thoroughly and well, get them excited and proud
to be part of our team, and then work with them to achieve our goals
together. If you do all of that right, especially hiring the right
people, I've found you don't have to fire very often.
"So with me, firing is a last resort. But when it's got to be done,
it's got to be done, and the faster and cleaner, the better. A poor
employee can wreak terrible damage in undermining the morale of an
entire team of good people. When there's no other way, I've found
it's better for all concerned to act decisively in getting rid of
offenders who won't change their ways."
Question 36 Why have you had so many jobs?
TRAPS: Your interviewer fears you may leave this position quickly,
as you have others. He's concerned you may be unstable, or
a "problem person" who can't get along with others.
BEST ANSWER: First, before you even get to the interview stage, you
should try to minimize your image as job hopper. If there are
several entries on your resume of less than one year, consider
eliminating the less important ones. Perhaps you can specify the
time you spent at previous positions in rounded years not in months
and years.
Example: Instead of showing three positions this way:
6/1982 – 3/1983, Position A;
4/1983 – 12/1983, Position B;
1/1984 – 8/1987, Position C;
…it would be better to show simply:
1982 – 1983, Position A;
1984 – 1987 Position C.
In other words, you would drop Position B altogether. Notice what a
difference this makes in reducing your image as a job hopper.
Once in front of the interviewer and this question comes up, you must
try to reassure him. Describe each position as part of an overall
pattern of growth and career destination.
Be careful not to blame other people for your frequent changes. But
you can and should attribute certain changes to conditions beyond
your control.
Example: Thanks to an upcoming merger, you wanted to avoid an
ensuing bloodbath, so you made a good, upward career move before your
department came under the axe of the new owners.
If possible, also show that your job changes were more frequent in
your younger days, while you were establishing yourself, rounding out
your skills and looking for the right career path. At this stage in
your career, you're certainly much more interested in the best long-
term opportunity.
You might also cite the job(s) where you stayed the longest and
describe that this type of situation is what you're looking for now.

deepakdahiya
May 3rd, 2005, 02:45 AM
Question 37 What do you see as the proper role/mission of…
…a good (job title you're seeking);
…a good manager;
…an executive in serving the community;
…a leading company in our industry; etc.
TRAPS: These and other "proper role" questions are designed to test
your understanding of your place in the bigger picture of your
department, company, community and profession….as well as the proper
role each of these entities should play in its bigger picture.
The question is most frequently asked by the most thoughtful
individuals and companies…or by those concerned that you're coming
from a place with a radically different corporate culture (such as
from a big government bureaucracy to an aggressive small company).
The most frequent mistake executives make in answering is simply not
being prepared (seeming as if they've never giving any of this a
though.)…or in phrasing an answer best suited to their prior
organization's culture instead of the hiring company's.
BEST ANSWER: Think of the most essential ingredients of success
for each category above – your job title, your role as manager, your
firm's role, etc.
Identify at least three but no more than six qualities you feel are
most important to success in each role. Then commit your response to
memory.
Here, again, the more information you've already drawn out about the
greatest wants and needs of the interviewer, and the more homework
you've done to identify the culture of the firm, the more on-target
your answer will be.
Question 38 What would you say to your boss if he's crazy about
an idea, but you think it stinks?
TRAPS: This is another question that pits two values, in this case
loyalty and honesty, against one another.
BEST ANSWER: Remember the rule stated earlier: In any conflict
between values, always choose integrity.
Example: I believe that when evaluating anything, it's important to
emphasize the positive. What do I like about this idea?"
"Then, if you have reservations, I certainly want to point them out,
as specifically, objectively and factually as I can."
"After all, the most important thing I owe my boss is honesty. If he
can't count on me for that, then everything else I may do or say
could be questionable in his eyes."
"But I also want to express my thoughts in a constructive way. So my
goal in this case would be to see if my boss and I could make his
idea even stronger and more appealing, so that it effectively
overcomes any initial reservation I or others may have about it."
"Of course, if he overrules me and says, `no, let's do it my way,'
then I owe him my full and enthusiastic support to make it work as
best it can."
Question 39 How could you have improved your career progress?
TRAPS: This is another variation on the question, "If you could, how
would you live your life over?" Remember, you're not going to fall
for any such invitations to rewrite person history. You can't win if
you do.
BEST ANSWER: You're generally quite happy with your career
progress. Maybe, if you had known something earlier in life
(impossible to know at the time, such as the booming growth in a
branch in your industry…or the corporate downsizing that would phase
out your last job), you might have moved in a certain direction
sooner.
But all things considered, you take responsibility for where you are,
how you've gotten there, where you are going…and you harbor no
regrets.
Question 40 What would you do if a fellow executive on your own
corporate level wasn't pulling his/her weight…and this was hurting
your department?
TRAPS: This question and other hypothetical ones test your sense of
human relations and how you might handle office politics.
BEST ANSWER: Try to gauge the political style of the firm and be
guided accordingly. In general, fall back on universal principles of
effective human relations – which in the end, embody the way you
would like to be treated in a similar circumstance.
Example: "Good human relations would call for me to go directly to
the person and explain the situation, to try to enlist his help in a
constructive, positive solution. If I sensed resistance, I would be
as persuasive as I know how to explain the benefits we can all gain
from working together, and the problems we, the company and our
customers will experience if we don't."
POSSIBLE FOLLOW-UP QUESTION: And what would you do if he still did
not change his ways?
ANSWER: "One thing I wouldn't do is let the problem slide, because
it would only get worse and overlooking it would set a bad
precedent. I would try again and again and again, in whatever way I
could, to solve the problem, involving wider and wider circles of
people, both above and below the offending executive and including my
own boss if necessary, so that everyone involved can see the rewards
for teamwork and the drawbacks of non-cooperation."
"I might add that I've never yet come across a situation that
couldn't be resolved by harnessing others in a determined,
constructive effort."
Question 41 You've been with your firm a long time. Won't it be
hard switching to a new company?
TRAPS: Your interviewer is worried that this old dog will find it
hard to learn new tricks.
BEST ANSWER: To overcome this objection, you must point to the many
ways you have grown and adapted to changing conditions at your
present firm. It has not been a static situation. Highlight the
different responsibilities you've held, the wide array of new
situations you've faced and conquered.
As a result, you've learned to adapt quickly to whatever is thrown at
you, and you thrive on the stimulation of new challenges.
To further assure the interviewer, describe the similarities between
the new position and your prior one. Explain that you should be
quite comfortable working there, since their needs and your skills
make a perfect match.
Question 42 May I contact your present employer for a reference?
TRAPS: If you're trying to keep your job search private, this is the
last thing you want. But if you don't cooperate, won't you seem as
if you're trying to hide something?
BEST ANSWER: Express your concern that you'd like to keep your job
search private, but that in time, it will be perfectly okay.
Example: "My present employer is not aware of my job search and, for
obvious reasons; I'd prefer to keep it that way. I'd be most
appreciative if we kept our discussion confidential right now. Of
course, when we both agree the time is right, then by all means you
should contact them. I'm very proud of my record there.
Question 43 Give me an example of your creativity (analytical
skill…managing ability, etc.)
TRAPS: The worst offense here is simply being unprepared. Your
hesitation may seem as if you're having a hard time remembering the
last time you were creative, analytical, etc.
BEST ANSWER: Remember from Question 2 that you should commit to
memory a list of your greatest and most recent achievements, ever
ready on the tip of your tongue.
If you have such a list, it's easy to present any of your
achievements in light of the quality the interviewer is asking
about. For example, the smashing success you orchestrated at last
year's trade show could be used as an example of creativity, or
analytical ability, or your ability to manage.

deepakdahiya
May 3rd, 2005, 02:46 AM
Question 44 Where could you use some improvement?
TRAPS: Another tricky way to get you to admit weaknesses. Don't
fall for it.
BEST ANSWER: Keep this answer, like all your answers, positive. A
good way to answer this question is to identify a cutting-edge branch
of your profession (one that's not essential to your employer's
needs) as an area you're very excited about and want to explore more
fully over the next six months.
Question 45 What do you worry about?
TRAPS: Admit to worrying and you could sound like a loser. Saying
you never worry doesn't sound credible.
BEST ANSWER: Redefine the word `worry' so that it does not reflect
negatively on you.
Example: "I wouldn't call it worry, but I am a strongly goal-
oriented person. So I keep turning over in my mind anything that
seems to be keeping me from achieving those goals, until I find a
solution. That's part of my tenacity, I suppose."
Question 46 How many hours a week do you normally work?
TRAPS: You don't want to give a specific number. Make it to low,
and you may not measure up. Too high, and you'll forever feel guilty
about sneaking out the door at 5:15.
BEST ANSWER: If you are in fact a workaholic and you sense this
company would like that: Say you are a confirmed workaholic, that
you often work nights and weekends. Your family accepts this because
it makes you fulfilled.
If you are not a workaholic: Say you have always worked hard and put
in long hours. It goes with the territory. It one sense, it's hard
to keep track of the hours because your work is a labor of love, you
enjoy nothing more than solving problems. So you're almost always
thinking about your work, including times when you're home, while
shaving in the morning, while commuting, etc.
Question 47 What's the most difficult part of being a (job

title)?
TRAPS: Unless you phrase your answer properly, your interviewer may
conclude that whatever you identify as "difficult" is where you are
weak.
BEST ANSWER: First, redefine "difficult" to be "challenging" which
is more positive. Then, identify an area everyone in your profession
considers challenging and in which you excel. Describe the process
you follow that enables you to get splendid results…and be specific
about those results.
Example: "I think every sales manager finds it challenging to
motivate the troops in a recession. But that's probably the strongest
test of a top sales manager. I feel this is one area where I
excel."
"When I see the first sign that sales may slip or that sales force
motivation is flagging because of a downturn in the economy, here's
the plan I put into action immediately…" (followed by a description
of each step in the process…and most importantly, the exceptional
results you've achieved.).
Question 48 The "Hypothetical Problem"
TRAPS: Sometimes an interviewer will describe a difficult situation
and ask, "How would you handle this?" Since it is virtually
impossible to have all the facts in front of you from such a short
presentation, don't fall into the trap of trying to solve this
problem and giving your verdict on the spot. It will make your
decision-making process seem woefully inadequate.
BEST ANSWER: Instead, describe the rational, methodical process you
would follow in analyzing this problem, who you would consult with,
generating possible solutions, choosing the best course of action,
and monitoring the results.
Remember, in all such, "What would you do?" questions, always
describe your process or working methods, and you'll never go wrong.
Question 49 What was the toughest challenge you've ever faced?
TRAPS: Being unprepared or citing an example from so early in your
life that it doesn't score many points for you at this stage of your
career.
BEST ANSWER: This is an easy question if you're prepared. Have a
recent example ready that demonstrates either:
1. A quality most important to the job at hand; or
2. A quality that is always in demand, such as leadership,
initiative, managerial skill, persuasiveness, courage, persistence,
intelligence, etc.
Question 50 Have you consider starting your own business?
TRAPS: If you say "yes" and elaborate enthusiastically, you could be
perceived as a loose cannon in a larger company, too entrepreneurial
to make a good team player…or someone who had to settle for the
corporate life because you couldn't make a go of your own business.
Also too much enthusiasm in answering "yes" could rouse the paranoia
of a small company indicating that you may plan to go out on your own
soon, perhaps taking some key accounts or trade secrets with you.
On the other hand, if you answer "no, never" you could be perceived
as a security-minded drone who never dreamed a big dream.
BEST ANSWER: Again it's best to:
1. Gauge this company's corporate culture before answering and…
2. Be honest (which doesn't mean you have to vividly share your
fantasy of the franchise or bed-and-breakfast you someday plan to
open).
In general, if the corporate culture is that of a large, formal,
military-style structure, minimize any indication that you'd love to
have your own business. You might say, "Oh, I may have given it a
thought once or twice, but my whole career has been in larger
organizations. That's where I have excelled and where I want to be."
If the corporate culture is closer to the free-wheeling, everybody's-
a-deal-maker variety, then emphasize that in a firm like this, you
can virtually get the best of all worlds, the excitement of seeing
your own ideas and plans take shape…combined with the resources and
stability of a well-established organization. Sounds like the
perfect environment to you.
In any case, no matter what the corporate culture, be sure to
indicate that any desires about running your own show are part of
your past, not your present or future.
The last thing you want to project is an image of either a dreamer
who failed and is now settling for the corporate cocoon…or the
restless maverick who will fly out the door with key accounts,
contacts and trade secrets under his arms just as soon as his
bankroll has gotten rebuilt.
Always remember: Match what you want with what the position offers.
The more information you've uncovered about the position, the more
believable you can make your case.
Question 51 What are your goals?
TRAPS: Not having any…or having only vague generalities, not highly
specific goals.
BEST ANSWER: Many executives in a position to hire you are strong
believers in goal-setting. (It's one of the reason they've achieved
so much). They like to hire in kind.
If you're vague about your career and personal goals, it could be a
big turnoff to may people you will encounter in your job search.
Be ready to discuss your goals for each major area of your life:
career, personal development and learning, family, physical (health),
community service and (if your interviewer is clearly a religious
person) you could briefly and generally allude to your spiritual
goals (showing you are a well-rounded individual with your values in
the right order).
Be prepared to describe each goal in terms of specific milestones you
wish to accomplish along the way, time periods you're allotting for
accomplishment, why the goal is important to you, and the specific
steps you're taking to bring it about. But do this concisely, as you
never want to talk more than two minutes straight before letting your
interviewer back into the conversation.
Question 52 What do you for when you hire people?
TRAPS: Being unprepared for the question.
BEST ANSWER: Speak your own thoughts here, but for the best answer
weave them around the three most important qualifications for any
position.
1. Can the person do the work (qualifications)?
2. Will the person do the work (motivation)?
3. Will the person fit in ("our kind of team player")?

deepakdahiya
May 3rd, 2005, 02:47 AM
Question 53 Sell me this stapler…(this pencil…this clock…or some
other object on interviewer's desk).
TRAPS: Some interviewers, especially business owners and hard-
changing executives in marketing-driven companies, feel that good
salesmanship is essential for any key position and ask for an instant
demonstration of your skill. Be ready.
BEST ANSWER: Of course, you already know the most important secret
of all great salesmanship – "find out what people want, then show
them how to get it."
If your interviewer picks up his stapler and asks, "sell this to me,"
you are going to demonstrate this proven master principle. Here's
how:
"Well, a good salesman must know both his product and his prospect
before he sells anything. If I were selling this, I'd first get to
know everything I could about it, all its features and benefits."
"Then, if my goal were to sell it you, I would do some research on
how you might use a fine stapler like this. The best way to do that
is by asking some questions. May I ask you a few questions?"
Then ask a few questions such as, "Just out of curiosity, if you
didn't already have a stapler like this, why would you want one? And
in addition to that? Any other reason? Anything else?"
"And would you want such a stapler to be reliable?...Hold a good
supply of staples?" (Ask more questions that point to the features
this stapler has.)
Once you've asked these questions, make your presentation citing all
the features and benefits of this stapler and why it's exactly what
the interviewer just told you he's looking for.
Then close with, "Just out of curiosity, what would you consider a
reasonable price for a quality stapler like this…a stapler you could
have right now and would (then repeat all the problems the stapler
would solve for him)? Whatever he says, (unless it's zero),
say, "Okay, we've got a deal."
NOTE: If your interviewer tests you by fighting every step of the
way, denying that he even wants such an item, don't fight him. Take
the product away from him by saying, "Mr. Prospect, I'm delighted
you've told me right upfront that there's no way you'd ever want this
stapler. As you well know, the first rule of the most productive
salespeople in any field is to meet the needs of people who really
need and want our products, and it just wastes everyone's time if we
try to force it on those who don't. And I certainly wouldn't want to
waste your time. But we sell many items. Is there any product on
this desk you would very much like to own…just one item?" When he
points something out, repeat the process above. If he knows anything
about selling, he may give you a standing ovation.
Question 54 "The Salary Question" – How much money do you want?
TRAPS: May also be phrases as, "What salary are you worth?"…or, "How
much are you making now?" This is your most important negotiation.
Handle it wrong and you can blow the job offer or go to work at far
less than you might have gotten.
BEST ANSWER: For maximum salary negotiating power, remember these
five guidelines:
1. Never bring up salary. Let the interviewer do it first.
Good salespeople sell their products thoroughly before talking
price. So should you. Make the interviewer want you first, and your
bargaining position will be much stronger.
2. If your interviewer raises the salary question too early,
before you've had a chance to create desire for your qualifications,
postpone the question, saying something like, "Money is important to
me, but is not my main concern. Opportunity and growth are far more
important. What I'd rather do, if you don't mind, is explore if I'm
right for the position, and then talk about money. Would that be
okay?"
3. The #1 rule of any negotiation is: the side with more
information wins. After you've done a thorough job of selling the
interviewer and it's time to talk salary, the secret is to get the
employer talking about what he's willing to pay before you reveal
what you're willing to accept. So, when asked about salary, respond
by asking, "I'm sure the company has already established a salary
range for this position. Could you tell me what that is?" Or, "I
want an income commensurate with my ability and qualifications. I
trust you'll be fair with me. What does the position pay?" Or, more
simply, "What does this position pay?"
4. Know beforehand what you'd accept. To know what's
reasonable, research the job market and this position for any
relevant salary information. Remember that most executives look for
a 20-25%$ pay boost when they switch jobs. If you're grossly
underpaid, you may want more.
5. Never lie about what you currently make, but feel free to
include the estimated cost of all your fringes, which could well tack
on 25-50% more to your present "cash-only" salary.
Question 55 The Illegal Question
TRAPS: Illegal questions include any regarding your age…number and
ages of your children or other dependents…marital status…maiden name…
religion…political affiliation…ancestry…national origin…birthplace…
naturalization of your parents, spouse or children…diseases…
disabilities…clubs…or spouse's occupation…unless any of the above are
directly related to your performance of the job. You can't even be
asked about arrests, though you can be asked about convictions.
BEST ANSWER: Under the ever-present threat of lawsuits, most
interviewers are well aware of these taboos. Yet you may encounter,
usually on a second or third interview, a senior executive who
doesn't interview much and forgets he can't ask such questions.
You can handle an illegal question in several ways. First, you can
assert your legal right not to answer. But this will frighten or
embarrass your interviewer and destroy any rapport you had.
Second, you could swallow your concerns over privacy and answer the
question straight forwardly if you feel the answer could help you.
For example, your interviewer, a devout Baptist, recognizes you from
church and mentions it. Here, you could gain by talking about your
church.
Third, if you don't want your privacy invaded, you can diplomatically
answer the concern behind the question without answering the question
itself.
Example: If you are over 50 and are asked, "How old are you?" you
can answer with a friendly, smiling question of your own on whether
there's a concern that your age my affect your performance. Follow
this up by reassuring the interviewer that there's nothing in this
job you can't do and, in fact, your age and experience are the most
important advantages you offer the employer for the following reasons…
Another example: If asked, "Do you plan to have children?" you could
answer, "I am wholeheartedly dedicated to my career", perhaps
adding, "I have no plans regarding children." (You needn't fear
you've pledged eternal childlessness. You have every right to change
your plans later. Get the job first and then enjoy all your options.)
Most importantly, remember that illegal questions arise from fear
that you won't perform well. The best answer of all is to get the
job and perform brilliantly. All concerns and fears will then
varnish, replaced by respect and appreciation for your work.
Question 56 The "Secret" Illegal Question
TRAPS: Much more frequent than the Illegal question (see Question
55) is the secret illegal question. It's secret because it's asked
only in the interviewer's mind. Since it's not even expressed to
you, you have no way to respond to it, and it can there be most
damaging.
Example: You're physically challenged, or a single mother returning
to your professional career, or over 50, or a member of an ethnic
minority, or fit any of a dozen other categories that do not strictly
conform to the majority in a given company.
Your interviewer wonders, "Is this person really able to handle the
job?"…"Is he or she a `good fit' at a place like ours?"…"Will the
chemistry ever be right with someone like this?" But the interviewer
never raises such questions because they're illegal. So what can you
do?
BEST ANSWER: Remember that just because the interviewer doesn't ask
an illegal question doesn't mean he doesn't have it. More than
likely, he is going to come up with his own answer. So you might as
well help him out.
How? Well, you obviously can't respond to an illegal question if he
hasn't even asked. This may well offend him. And there's always the
chance he wasn't even concerned about the issue until you brought it
up, and only then begins to wonder.
So you can't address "secret" illegal questions head-on. But what
you can do is make sure there's enough counterbalancing information
to more than reassure him that there's no problem in the area he may
be doubtful about.
For example, let's say you're a sales rep who had polio as a child
and you need a cane to walk. You know your condition has never
impeded your performance, yet you're concerned that your interviewer
may secretly be wondering about your stamina or ability to travel.
Well, make sure that you hit these abilities very hard, leaving no
doubt about your capacity to handle them well.
So, too, if you're in any different from what passes for "normal".
Make sure, without in any way seeming defensive about yourself that
you mention strengths, accomplishments, preferences and affiliations
that strongly counterbalance any unspoken concern your interviewer
may have.

deepakdahiya
May 3rd, 2005, 02:48 AM
Question 57 What was the toughest part of your last job?
TRAPS: This is slightly different from the question raised
earlier, "What's the most difficult part of being a (job title…)"
because this asks what you personally have found most difficult in
your last position. This question is more difficult to redefine into
something positive. Your interviewer will assume that whatever you
found toughest may give you a problem in your new position.
BEST ANSWER: State that there was nothing in your prior position
that you found overly difficult, and let your answer go at that. If
pressed to expand your answer, you could describe the aspects of the
position you enjoyed more than others, making sure that you express
maximum enjoyment for those tasks most important to the open
position, and you enjoyed least those tasks that are unimportant to
the position at hand.
Question 58 How do you define success…and how do you measure up
to your own definition?
TRAPS: Seems like an obvious enough question. Yet many executives,
unprepared for it, fumble the ball.
BEST ANSWER: Give a well-accepted definition of success that leads
right into your own stellar collection of achievements.
Example: "The best definition I've come across is that success is
the progressive realization of a worthy goal."
"As to how I would measure up to that definition, I would consider
myself both successful and fortunate…"(Then summarize your career
goals and how your achievements have indeed represented a progressive
path toward realization of your goals.)
Question 59 "The Opinion Question" – What do you think about …
Abortion…The President…The Death Penalty…(or any other controversial
subject)?
TRAPS: Obviously, these and other "opinion" questions should never
be asked. Sometimes they come up over a combination dinner/interview
when the interviewer has had a drink or two, is feeling relaxed, and
is spouting off about something that bugged him in today's news. If
you give your opinion and it's the opposite of his, you won't change
his opinions, but you could easily lose the job offer.
BEST ANSWER: In all of these instances, just remember the tale about
student and the wise old rabbi. The scene is a seminary, where an
overly serious student is pressing the rabbi to answer the ultimate
questions of suffering, life and death. But no matter how hard he
presses, the wise old rabbi will only answer each difficult question
with a question of his own.
In exasperation, the seminary student demands, "Why, rabbi, do you
always answer a question with another question?" To which the rabbi
responds, "And why not?"
If you are ever uncomfortable with any question, asking a question in
return is the greatest escape hatch ever invented. It throws the
onus back on the other person, sidetracks the discussion from going
into an area of risk to you, and gives you time to think of your
answer or, even better, your next question!
In response to any of the "opinion" questions cited above, merely
responding, "Why do you ask?" will usually be enough to dissipate any
pressure to give your opinion. But if your interviewer again presses
you for an opinion, you can ask another question.
Or you could assert a generality that almost everyone would agree
with. For example, if your interviewer is complaining about
politicians then suddenly turns to you and asks if you're a
Republican or Democrat, you could respond by saying, "Actually, I'm
finding it hard to find any politicians I like these days."
(Of course, your best question of all may be whether you want to work
for someone opinionated.)
Question 60 If you won $10 million lottery, would you still work?
TRAPS: Your totally honest response might be, "Hell, no, are you
serious?" That might be so, but any answer which shows you as
fleeing work if given the chance could make you seem lazy. On the
other hand, if you answer, "Oh, I'd want to keep doing exactly what I
am doing, only doing it for your firm," you could easily inspire your
interviewer to silently mutter to himself, "Yeah, sure. Gimme a
break."
BEST ANSWER: This type of question is aimed at getting at your
bedrock attitude about work and how you feel about what you do. Your
best answer will focus on your positive feelings.
Example: "After I floated down from cloud nine, I think I would
still hold my basic belief that achievement and purposeful work are
essential to a happy, productive life. After all, if money alone
bought happiness, then all rich people would be all happy, and that's
not true.
"I love the work I do, and I think I'd always want to be involved in
my career in some fashion. Winning the lottery would make it more
fun because it would mean having more flexibility, more options...who
knows?"
"Of course, since I can't count on winning, I'd just as soon create
my own destiny by sticking with what's worked for me, meaning good
old reliable hard work and a desire to achieve. I think those
qualities have built many more fortunes that all the lotteries put
together."
Question 61 Looking back on your last position, have you done
your best work?
TRAPS: Tricky question. Answer "absolutely" and it can seem like
your best work is behind you. Answer, "no, my best work is ahead of
me," and it can seem as if you didn't give it your all.
BEST ANSWER: To cover both possible paths this question can take,
your answer should state that you always try to do your best, and the
best of your career is right now. Like an athlete at the top of his
game, you are just hitting your career stride thanks to several
factors. Then, recap those factors, highlighting your strongest
qualifications.
Question 62 Why should I hire you from the outside when I could
promote someone from within?
TRAPS: This question isn't as aggressive as it sounds. It
represents the interviewer's own dilemma over this common problem.
He's probably leaning toward you already and for reassurance, wants
to hear what you have to say on the matter.
BEST ANSWER: Help him see the qualifications that only you can offer.
Example: "In general, I think it's a good policy to hire from
within – to look outside probably means you're not completely
comfortable choosing someone from inside.
"Naturally, you want this department to be as strong as it possibly
can be, so you want the strongest candidate. I feel that I can fill
that bill because…(then recap your strongest qualifications that
match up with his greatest needs)."
Question 63 Tell me something negative you've heard about our
company…
TRAPS: This is a common fishing expedition to see what the industry
grapevine may be saying about the company. But it's also a trap
because as an outsider, you never want to be the bearer of
unflattering news or gossip about the firm. It can only hurt your
chances and sidetrack the interviewer from getting sold on you.
BEST ANSWER: Just remember the rule – never be negative – and you'll
handle this one just fine.
Question 64 On a scale of one to ten, rate me as an interviewer.
TRAPS: Give a perfect "10," and you'll seem too easy to please.
Give anything less than a perfect 10, and he could press you as to
where you're being critical, and that road leads downhill for you.
BEST ANSWER: Once again, never be negative. The interviewer will
only resent criticism coming from you. This is the time to show your
positivism.
However, don't give a numerical rating. Simply praise whatever
interview style he's been using.
If he's been tough, say "You have been thorough and tough-minded, the
very qualities needed to conduct a good interview."
If he's been methodical, say, "You have been very methodical and
analytical, and I'm sure that approach results in excellent hires for
your firm."
In other words, pay him a sincere compliment that he can believe
because it's anchored in the behavior you've just seen.

Good luck in your job search!

so friends a request to all who find it useful........plz by respocing

make it alive on top......so that new users and all who r presently

busy with some work .like..exams and not able to visit/surf the

site....can refer it later.....

*****Jai Mata Di*****

dharmpaltakhar
May 3rd, 2005, 08:05 AM
hi Deepak,
thanx for the detailed posting. i am sure it will help a lot of young guys looking for jobs.

mukeshkumar007
May 3rd, 2005, 02:09 PM
My Dear Deepak Bhiay,

Really a good and appreciatable work done by you. All words fall short to praise it. I have no good word to appreciate your post. It will really beneift to me and many other members who have to face interview.
I have copied the enitre text in ms-word.
We hope for more informative post from you like it.

dahbal
May 5th, 2005, 07:50 AM
Hi Deepak,

You really did a great jobs.I appreciate your help.

These questions are really very-2 important for interviews.

Thanks,
Balraj Dahiya

mandhan
May 5th, 2005, 01:33 PM
Deepak ji,
Very welldone!

I wonder how did you managed such a big post on interview.
Great job!

Keep it up.
Bye bye.

deepakdahiya
May 9th, 2005, 03:20 PM
;)
aap sab ko ish thread se help mile ye he mere liye sabshe

badi baat he....... :)


*****Jai Mata Di*****

apoorv
May 19th, 2005, 11:53 AM
hi ,
the points which u have shown in ur letter are very helpful for not only me ,but for many persons.
So i thank you for ur contribution.

Apoorv

sandeep.dahiya
May 19th, 2005, 10:41 PM
deepak it is really great work done by you..

lage raho india lage raho :cool:

sandeepbalyan
May 24th, 2005, 09:56 AM
This is good work.

Keep on posting this kindaa stuff.

Bye
Regards
Sandeep

rohit_dhonchak
May 24th, 2005, 10:46 AM
Dear Deepak
Its really a great knowledge,which u gave to starter,and its really works.
Rohit singh

Question 57 What was the toughest part of your last job?
TRAPS: This is slightly different from the question raised
earlier, "What's the most difficult part of being a (job title…)"
because this asks what you personally have found most difficult in
your last position. This question is more difficult to redefine into
something positive. Your interviewer will assume that whatever you
found toughest may give you a problem in your new position.
BEST ANSWER: State that there was nothing in your prior position
that you found overly difficult, and let your answer go at that. If
pressed to expand your answer, you could describe the aspects of the
position you enjoyed more than others, making sure that you express
maximum enjoyment for those tasks most important to the open
position, and you enjoyed least those tasks that are unimportant to
the position at hand.
Question 58 How do you define success…and how do you measure up
to your own definition?
TRAPS: Seems like an obvious enough question. Yet many executives,
unprepared for it, fumble the ball.
BEST ANSWER: Give a well-accepted definition of success that leads
right into your own stellar collection of achievements.
Example: "The best definition I've come across is that success is
the progressive realization of a worthy goal."
"As to how I would measure up to that definition, I would consider
myself both successful and fortunate…"(Then summarize your career
goals and how your achievements have indeed represented a progressive
path toward realization of your goals.)
Question 59 "The Opinion Question" – What do you think about …
Abortion…The President…The Death Penalty…(or any other controversial
subject)?
TRAPS: Obviously, these and other "opinion" questions should never
be asked. Sometimes they come up over a combination dinner/interview
when the interviewer has had a drink or two, is feeling relaxed, and
is spouting off about something that bugged him in today's news. If
you give your opinion and it's the opposite of his, you won't change
his opinions, but you could easily lose the job offer.
BEST ANSWER: In all of these instances, just remember the tale about
student and the wise old rabbi. The scene is a seminary, where an
overly serious student is pressing the rabbi to answer the ultimate
questions of suffering, life and death. But no matter how hard he
presses, the wise old rabbi will only answer each difficult question
with a question of his own.
In exasperation, the seminary student demands, "Why, rabbi, do you
always answer a question with another question?" To which the rabbi
responds, "And why not?"
If you are ever uncomfortable with any question, asking a question in
return is the greatest escape hatch ever invented. It throws the
onus back on the other person, sidetracks the discussion from going
into an area of risk to you, and gives you time to think of your
answer or, even better, your next question!
In response to any of the "opinion" questions cited above, merely
responding, "Why do you ask?" will usually be enough to dissipate any
pressure to give your opinion. But if your interviewer again presses
you for an opinion, you can ask another question.
Or you could assert a generality that almost everyone would agree
with. For example, if your interviewer is complaining about
politicians then suddenly turns to you and asks if you're a
Republican or Democrat, you could respond by saying, "Actually, I'm
finding it hard to find any politicians I like these days."
(Of course, your best question of all may be whether you want to work
for someone opinionated.)
Question 60 If you won $10 million lottery, would you still work?
TRAPS: Your totally honest response might be, "Hell, no, are you
serious?" That might be so, but any answer which shows you as
fleeing work if given the chance could make you seem lazy. On the
other hand, if you answer, "Oh, I'd want to keep doing exactly what I
am doing, only doing it for your firm," you could easily inspire your
interviewer to silently mutter to himself, "Yeah, sure. Gimme a
break."
BEST ANSWER: This type of question is aimed at getting at your
bedrock attitude about work and how you feel about what you do. Your
best answer will focus on your positive feelings.
Example: "After I floated down from cloud nine, I think I would
still hold my basic belief that achievement and purposeful work are
essential to a happy, productive life. After all, if money alone
bought happiness, then all rich people would be all happy, and that's
not true.
"I love the work I do, and I think I'd always want to be involved in
my career in some fashion. Winning the lottery would make it more
fun because it would mean having more flexibility, more options...who
knows?"
"Of course, since I can't count on winning, I'd just as soon create
my own destiny by sticking with what's worked for me, meaning good
old reliable hard work and a desire to achieve. I think those
qualities have built many more fortunes that all the lotteries put
together."
Question 61 Looking back on your last position, have you done
your best work?
TRAPS: Tricky question. Answer "absolutely" and it can seem like
your best work is behind you. Answer, "no, my best work is ahead of
me," and it can seem as if you didn't give it your all.
BEST ANSWER: To cover both possible paths this question can take,
your answer should state that you always try to do your best, and the
best of your career is right now. Like an athlete at the top of his
game, you are just hitting your career stride thanks to several
factors. Then, recap those factors, highlighting your strongest
qualifications.
Question 62 Why should I hire you from the outside when I could
promote someone from within?
TRAPS: This question isn't as aggressive as it sounds. It
represents the interviewer's own dilemma over this common problem.
He's probably leaning toward you already and for reassurance, wants
to hear what you have to say on the matter.
BEST ANSWER: Help him see the qualifications that only you can offer.
Example: "In general, I think it's a good policy to hire from
within – to look outside probably means you're not completely
comfortable choosing someone from inside.
"Naturally, you want this department to be as strong as it possibly
can be, so you want the strongest candidate. I feel that I can fill
that bill because…(then recap your strongest qualifications that
match up with his greatest needs)."
Question 63 Tell me something negative you've heard about our
company…
TRAPS: This is a common fishing expedition to see what the industry
grapevine may be saying about the company. But it's also a trap
because as an outsider, you never want to be the bearer of
unflattering news or gossip about the firm. It can only hurt your
chances and sidetrack the interviewer from getting sold on you.
BEST ANSWER: Just remember the rule – never be negative – and you'll
handle this one just fine.
Question 64 On a scale of one to ten, rate me as an interviewer.
TRAPS: Give a perfect "10," and you'll seem too easy to please.
Give anything less than a perfect 10, and he could press you as to
where you're being critical, and that road leads downhill for you.
BEST ANSWER: Once again, never be negative. The interviewer will
only resent criticism coming from you. This is the time to show your
positivism.
However, don't give a numerical rating. Simply praise whatever
interview style he's been using.
If he's been tough, say "You have been thorough and tough-minded, the
very qualities needed to conduct a good interview."
If he's been methodical, say, "You have been very methodical and
analytical, and I'm sure that approach results in excellent hires for
your firm."
In other words, pay him a sincere compliment that he can believe
because it's anchored in the behavior you've just seen.

Good luck in your job search!

so friends a request to all who find it useful........plz by respocing

make it alive on top......so that new users and all who r presently

busy with some work .like..exams and not able to visit/surf the

site....can refer it later.....

*****Jai Mata Di*****

deepakdahiya
May 28th, 2005, 09:41 PM
hello to all...

so friends let us make these Questions more personalise......by discussing with each other ....one by one......so what u think....here we have expert jat member's who have more knowledge about some topics.....


so it is a request to all expert member's to help the young GEN. by giving their expert answer to each Questions....one by one..........


so friend what u all think

*****Jai Mata Di*****

satendravaire
June 20th, 2005, 05:09 PM
Hello Deepak Ji,

Thanks for ur guidelines about the interview. These will certainly help the youngsters facing or going to face an interview in the near future like me.

Please keep guiding!

Thanks

sanjaysiwach
June 20th, 2005, 05:52 PM
Excellent dear Deepak,

We all will be beneficiary ....Kindly keep posting more stuff related to same subject.... :o


Luv
Sanjay

rajeshrathee
June 22nd, 2005, 09:17 PM
Well done Deepak
u have done a great service by putting the details

deepakdahiya
July 25th, 2005, 04:15 PM
hello to all...


so friends let us make these Questions more personalise......by discussing with each other ....one by one......so what u think....here we have expert jat member's who have more knowledge about some topics.....

this is second time i m posting this thread for requesting all our experienced jat people...who r in job or who have experience of conducting interviews..
to help young GEN. by giving their expert answer for each questions...........one bye one.............

so friend what u all think

deepak dahiya
*****Jai Mata Di*****

meetmanu
July 27th, 2005, 03:36 AM
hello to all...


so friends let us make these Questions more personalise......by discussing with each other ....one by one......so what u think....here we have expert jat member's who have more knowledge about some topics.....

this is second time i m posting this thread for requesting all our experienced jat people...who r in job or who have experience of conducting interviews..
to help young GEN. by giving their expert answer for each questions...........one bye one.............

so friend what u all think

deepak dahiya
*****Jai Mata Di*****
Dear Deepak,

This is a really good compilation of interview questions and if one is prepared with answers to these questions, there is no stopping the person in the interviews. Great post indeed!

Manu

dsdhanda
July 31st, 2005, 07:39 AM
Dahiya Sahib,

This is great work!!!! This will definitely help our fellow jats/jatnis in the real world as most of us are adept in the technical fields but HR poses one of the toughest hurdles (especially to the software guys). Keep it up.....The more we work for our clan the more it will improve in terms of attaining new heights in this era of cutting edge technology and cut throat competition.....

Cheers!!!!!!

"Citius, Altius, Fortius." should be our motto....

Regards,

Dev Dhanda

deepakdahiya
August 1st, 2005, 03:40 PM
hello member's,

In my HR related post Mr. Malik asked from me "where r u working" and "r u HR person"
so here i am making it clear that i m only a MBA Student...and i find this matter on "Interview" some where and posted here to help ur JAT brother's/ sister's..

and this matter is as important to me as to all job seekers jat/jatni's

therefore here i have frequently posted a thread ...requesting our seniors to help me to make these 64 question more personalise by giving there advise........

but ..........there is no responce from senior/experienced/corporate..... chacha/tau's....i think they r busy .......

so waiting for their responce..............


____deepak dahiya____
*****Jai Mata Di*****